Lighting

[CM Media]

I've a 4ft tank containing 243L of water.

I'm using 4 X 36W FL (2 pink and 2 white)

Is the lighting enough for a planted tank?

[Simon]

in terms of wattage, yes... yr tank is ard 53/54gal

[CM Media]

If I were to plant riccia, is the lighting enough or should I add up to 216watts. At 216, it'll be 3.375watts/gal. Is this too much and will induse algae to grow?

[vinz]

Yes, Riccia will need brighter lights.

As for algae, you'll just have to make sure you optimise your tank to reduce algae. That means nutrients in the water must be balanced, and do not exceed your plants needs.

[CM Media]

Sorry for my ignoranc., If with the existing 4X 36W FL lighting, is it enough or I have to add?

[vinz]

I don't think your existing 4 x 36W is sufficient for riccia, unless you plant the Riccia closer to the water surface.

[CM Media]

Thanks for you prompt reply. I'll add the lighting to 4X36W PL + 2X36W FL. That should be enough right?

[c.y.]

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On 8/22/2002 4:27:31 PM

I don't think your existing 4 x 36W is sufficient for riccia, unless you plant the Riccia closer to the water surface.
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Can please advise what w/gal is good for riccia. I have a 2.5ft tank is around 26 gal, how many w. of light should I have to plant riccia.
Thank you.

[vinz]

3W/g and higher, and plenty of CO2 will be good for riccia if you want it to bubble. Read somewhere that riccia an survive in lower light conditions, but don't expect bubbling.

C.Y, 26 g at 3W/g = 78W.

CM Media, yes, 6 x 36 should do the trick.

[c.y.]

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On 8/22/2002 5:05:16 PM

3W/g and higher, and plenty of CO2 will be good for riccia if you want it to bubble. Read somewhere that riccia an survive in lower light conditions, but don't expect bubbling.

C.Y, 26 g at 3W/g = 78W.

CM Media, yes, 6 x 36 should do the trick.

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Thanks,
I already have 2 x36 pl (total 72w) light with me.
If I add another 36w will be too much. Is there a 2 x40w e-ballast and 40w. pl light?
Thank you.

[vinz]

You're close to 3W/G, it might still work out. You can still try Riccia and if it bubbles, great. It it does not, it will still survive, and you can decide whether to spend $$$ to up your lights.

Furthurmore, I've always wondered if the W/G guidelines are referring to tank capacity or actual water volume.

[oqs]

you might want to change the pink lights to daylight lights. will make the plants happier.